Method and apparatus for associating a received command with a control for performing actions with a mobile telecommunication device

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to associating a received command with a control such as a push button on a mobile telecommunication device, and enabling an action associated with the command to be performed when the control is later activated. The command may be received from another mobile device or remote computer. The actions that may be associated with the performance instruction include tuning to a broadcast such as a radio or television, browsing a web site or hyperlinked text, and tuning to a streamed broadcast over a network, such as the Internet. The command button can be a physical element such as the “*” key on a keypad or a virtual button on a display.

RELATED APPLICATION

This utility application is related to a previously filed U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/290,592, filed on May 11, 2001, thebenefit of the earlier filing date of which is hereby claimed under 35U.S.C. § 119 (e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to mobile telecommunication devices,and more specifically to associating a received command that can includeinformation with a control for performing actions with a mobiletelecommunication device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since their introduction, the number of services and features forcellular telephones has steadily increased. At first, these mobiledevices operated on analog wireless networks that enabled voicecommunication and simple paging features. Later, digital wirelessnetworks for cellular telephones were implemented to provide moreadvanced features for voice and data communication, such as encryption,caller identification and short message service (SMS) text messages.More recently, some cellular telephones enable the browsing of web pageson the Internet or other on-line services. The functionality of cellulartelephones has continued to increase and incorporate many of thefeatures originally provided for in handheld electronic devices such aspersonal digital assistants (PDAs). Relatively simple PDA features suchas keeping a list of contacts, a calendar, appointments, and the likehave been generally integrated into recent cellular telephone models.

With the increased services and features has come increased cellularphone use that enables users to stay in relatively close contact withfriends and acquaintances. Users can talk about what station they arelistening to on the radio or watching on television, web sites that theyhave browsed and games that they enjoy. In the past, there has not beenan easy to use mechanism for a user to share this type of information ina way that enabled others to quickly and easily participate in the sameactivities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for associating acommand with a control on a mobile device that enablestelecommunication. The command is received in a message and the commandcan include data for enabling an action with the mobile device. Thecommand is automatically associated with the control; and the data isemployed to automatically enable the action with the mobile device. Theactivation of the control causes the action to be performed with themobile device.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to including the commandin a Short Message Service (SMS) message that is received by the mobiledevice. Also, the action can include at least one of tuning to a radiostation, completing a telephone call, enabling a game, playing an audiorecording, playing a video, displaying a picture, playing an animation,enabling a screensaver and browsing to a web site. Further, the actioncan be sending a channel selection to a television set or tuning to anAM or FM radio station.

In yet another embodiment, the command can be received from at least aselected one of a radio station, satellite, wireless network, pager,television station and web site. The command can be received fromanother mobile device that enables telecommunication and a remotecomputing device.

In still another embodiment, another command is received that includesother data for enabling another action with the mobile device. The othercommand is automatically associated with the control; and the other datais employed to automatically enable the other action with the mobiledevice. The activation of the control causes the other action to beperformed with the mobile device.

In a further embodiment, the control can be activated by a singlemotion. Also, the mobile device can provide an acknowledgement when thecontrol is activated, such as a sound, visual display and hapticfeedback. The acknowledgement can include selective illumination oflight sources in the mobile device; and the light sources can display apattern. Also, another command can be associated with the control. Whenanother activation of the control occurs, another action thatcorresponds to the other command can be performed.

In another embodiment, a list of other users is provided and each userin the list is linked by a relationship to the user of the mobiledevice. A separate list can be provided to each type of relationship tothe user of the mobile device. When the list is enabled, the command canbe sent to each user included in the list, wherein the command isreceivable by each mobile device associated with each user included inthe list.

These and various other features, as well as advantages, whichcharacterize the present invention, will be apparent from a reading ofthe following detailed description and a review of the associateddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary system overview;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an exemplary systemoverview in which local area networks and a wide area network areinterconnected by routers;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary server computer;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram that illustrates an exemplary mobiledevice;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary system overview inwhich a mobile device is in communication with different types ofsources;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram that shows an exemplary system overview inwhich a control on a mobile device is employed to select a televisionchannel for display on a television set;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustrates a process for receiving andimplementing a command associated with a control on the mobile device;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart that shows a process for receiving a message thatincludes a command and data;

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment for acommand message application;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a process for polling for commandmessages from at least one other member of a list; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form apart hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplaryembodiments by which the invention may be practiced. Each embodiment isdescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention, and it is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined onlyby the appended claims.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The term “control” means any physical device on amobile telecommunication device that when actuated causes an action tobe performed or causes an operating system to switch to another programor operation in conjunction with the practice of the invention disclosedherein. Unless otherwise specified, a control is a physical component onthe mobile telecommunication device. For example, a key (button) on akeypad, rotary switch, slide switch, push button, touch pad, touchsensitive display, voice activated controller, and the like. The controlcan be dedicated to operating solely with each received command, or itcan be a multi-purpose control having other functionality assigned to itin conjunction with the practice of the invention described herein.

A “command” is employed to associate an action with the control. Also,the command includes data to be used when performing the action. Forexample, the action could be tuning a radio receiver to a radio stationand the data could be the particular radio frequency. The “command” maybe included in a message received by a mobile telecommunication devicesuch as an SMS (Short Messaging Service) message or some other type ofmessaging service.

Also, the meaning of “a”, “an,” and “the” include plural references. Themeaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Referring to the drawings, likenumbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Additionally, areference to the singular includes a reference to the plural unlessotherwise stated or inconsistent with the disclosure herein.

Briefly described, when a message that includes a command is received bya mobile telecommunication device, automatically this command isassociated with a control (physical device) on the device such as a pushbutton. Any data associated with the command is also employed to enablethe device to operate in a particular manner when the control issubsequently activated by a user. For example, when a received commandis “call Dave,” the mobile telecommunication device would automaticallyconfigure a control to cause the completion of a telephone call to Daveupon activation. Subsequently, when the control is activated, the mobiletelecommunication device would automatically dial Dave's telephonenumber.

Illustrative Operating Environment

With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system in which the inventionoperates includes mobile (wireless) devices 400, wireless network 110,gateway 115, wide area network (WAN)/local area network (LAN) 200 andone or more server computers 300.

Mobile devices 400 are coupled to wireless network 110 and are describedin more detail in conjunction with FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Generally, mobiledevices 400 include any device capable of connecting to a wirelessnetwork such as wireless network 110. Such mobile devices includecellular telephones, smart phones, pagers, radio frequency (RF) devices,infrared (IR) devices, citizen band radios (CBs), integrated devicescombining one or more of the preceding devices, and the like. Mobiledevices 400 may also include other devices that have a wirelessinterface such as PDAs, handheld computers, personal computers,multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, wearable computers, and the like.

Wireless network 110 transports information to and from mobile devicescapable of wireless communication. Wireless network 110 may include bothwireless and wired components. For example, wireless network 110 mayinclude wireless cellular sites (not shown) that are coupled to anotherwired telephone network. Typically, a cellular site carriescommunication to and from cellular telephones, pagers, and other mobiledevices; and the wired telephone network carries communication tolandline telephones, long-distance communication links, and the like.

Wireless network 110 is coupled to WAN/LAN through gateway 115. Gateway115 routes information between wireless network 110 and WAN/LAN 200. Forexample, a user using a mobile device may browse the Internet by callinga certain number or tuning to a particular frequency. Upon receipt ofthe number, wireless network 110 is configured to pass informationbetween the wireless device and gateway 115. Gateway 115 translatesrequests for web pages from mobile devices into hypertext transferprotocol (HTTP) messages, which may then be sent to resources coupled toWAN/LAN 200. Gateway 115 may also translate responses to such messagesinto a protocol compatible with the requesting mobile device.Additionally, Gateway 115 may be used to translate exchanges of othertypes of messages, e.g., SMS (short message service) messages, betweenmobile devices 400 that are facilitated by resources (servers) coupledto WAN/LAN 200.

Typically, WAN/LAN 200 transmits information between computing devicesas described in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. One example of aWAN is the Internet, which connects millions of computers over a host ofgateways, routers, switches, hubs, and the like. An example of a LAN isa network used to connect computers in a single office. A WAN mayconnect multiple LANs. Server computers 300 are coupled to WAN/LAN 200through communication mediums. Server computers 300 provide access toinformation and services as described in more detail in conjunction withFIG. 3.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary system in which the invention operates inwhich a number of local area networks (“LANs”) 220 _(a-d) and wide areanetwork (“WAN”) 230 interconnected by routers 210. Routers 210 areintermediary devices on a communications network that expedite messagedelivery. On a single network linking many computers through a mesh ofpossible connections, a router receives transmitted messages andforwards them to their correct destinations over available routes. On aninterconnected set of LANs—including those based on differingarchitectures and protocols—, a router acts as a link between LANs,enabling messages to be sent from one to another. Communication linkswithin LANs typically include twisted wire pair, fiber optics, orcoaxial cable, while communication links between networks may utilizeanalog telephone lines, full or fractional dedicated digital linesincluding T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks(ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links, or othercommunications links known to those skilled in the art.

Furthermore, computers, such as remote computer 240, and other relatedelectronic devices can be remotely connected to either LANs 220 _(a-d)or WAN 230 via a modem and temporary telephone link. The number of WANs,LANs, and routers in FIG. 2 may be increased or decreased withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of this invention. As such, it willbe appreciated that the Internet itself may be formed from a vast numberof such interconnected networks, computers, and routers and that anembodiment of the invention could be practiced over the Internet withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The media used to transmit information in communication links asdescribed above illustrates one type of computer-readable media, namelycommunication media. Generally, computer-readable media includes anymedia that can be accessed by a computing device. Computer-readablemedia may include computer storage media, communication media, or anycombination thereof.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,communication media includes wired media such as twisted pair, coaxialcable, fiber optics, wave guides, and other wired media and wirelessmedia such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

The Internet has recently seen explosive growth by virtue of its abilityto link computers located throughout the world. As the Internet hasgrown, so has the WWW. Generally, the WWW is the total set ofinterlinked hypertext documents residing on HTTP (hypertext transportprotocol) servers around the world. Documents on the WWW, called pagesor Web pages, are typically written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language),or some other markup language, identified by URLs (Uniform ResourceLocators) that specify the particular machine and pathname by which afile can be accessed, and transmitted from server to end user usingHTTP. Codes, called tags, embedded in an HTML document associateparticular words and images in the document with URLs so that a user canaccess another file, which may be halfway around the world, at the pressof a key or the click of a mouse. These files may contain text (in avariety of fonts and styles), graphics images, movie files, media clips,and sounds as well as Java applets, ActiveX controls, or other embeddedsoftware programs that execute when the user activates them. A uservisiting a Web page may also be able to download files from an FTP siteand send messages to other users via email by using links on the Webpage.

Server computer 300, as described in regard to FIG. 3, is a computerconnected to a network and having storage facilities for storinghypertext documents for a WWW site, running administrative software (WWWserver) for handling requests for the stored hypertext documents andenabling a facility (command message server) to handle command basedmessages communicated between mobile devices. The server computer 300may include many more components than those shown in FIG. 3. However,the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrativeembodiment for practicing the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3 server computer 300 is connected to WAN/LAN 200, orother communications network, via network interface unit 310. Networkinterface unit 310 includes the circuitry for connecting WWW server 330and command message server 336 to WAN/LAN 200, and is constructed foruse with various communication protocols including TCP/IP and WAP.Typically, network interface unit 310 is a card contained within servercomputer 300.

Server computer 300 also includes processing unit 312, video displayadapter 314, and a mass memory, all connected via bus 322. The massmemory generally includes RAM 316, ROM 332, and one or more permanentmass storage devices, such as hard disk drive 328, a tape drive,CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive 326, and/or a floppy disk drive. The mass memorystores operating system 320 for controlling the operation of servercomputer 300. This component may comprise a general purpose serveroperating system such as UNIX, LINUX™, or Microsoft WINDOWS NT®. Basicinput/output system (“BIOS”) 318 is also provided for controlling thelow-level operation of server computer 300.

The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofcomputer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storagemedia may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

The mass memory also stores program code and data for providing a WWWsite and managing command messages. More specifically, the mass memorystores applications including WWW server 330 and command message server336. Generally, command message server 336 includes instructions forfacilitating the communication of command based messages communicatedbetween mobile devices. WWW server 330 includes computer executableinstructions which, when executed on server computer 300, generate WWWbrowser displays, including performing the logic described elsewhere inthe specification.

Additionally, although command messages may be sent between users ofmobile devices, it is further understood that command messages may besent to mobile devices by others that are operating remote computers andby other third party services, such as radio stations, televisionstations and web sites. In these cases, the command message server wouldoperate in substantially the same manner as it would to handle commandmessages communicated between mobile devices.

Server computer 300 also comprises input/output interface 324 forcommunicating with external devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner,or other input devices not shown in FIG. 3. Likewise, server computer300 may further comprise additional mass storage facilities such asCD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive 326 and hard disk drive 328. Hard disk drive 328 isutilized by server computer 300 to store, among other things,applications, databases, and data used by WWW server 330 and commandmessage server 336.

Command message server 336 may include a library or database ofpredetermined commands that are organized by categories and one or morelists of preselected users designated to receive selected images.Additionally, command message server 336 may incorporate facilities forhandling command messages that are included in SMS messages and wirelessprotocols, such as WAP.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary mobile device 400, according to one embodimentof the invention. In one embodiment, mobile device 400 is a cellulartelephone that is arranged to send and receive messages. In particular,mobile device 400 may be arranged to send and receive SMS messages thatcan include data representing a command. Of course, other messagingservices that can include data representing a command may also beemployed with mobile device 400.

Mobile device 400 may include many more components than those shown inFIG. 4. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose anillustrative embodiment for practicing the present invention. As shownin the figure, mobile device 400 includes processing unit 412, memory448, RAM 416, ROM 432, operating system 420, command message application430, programs 434, data storage 436, bios 418, power 426, input/outputinterface 424, wireless interface unit 410, tuner 438, illuminator 450,haptic interface 452, audio 454, display 456, keypad 458 and infraredinput/output 460.

Mobile device 400 may connect to WAN/LAN 200, or other communicationsnetwork, via wireless interface unit 410. Wireless interface 410includes circuitry for connecting mobile device 400 to wireless network110, and is constructed for use with various communication protocolsincluding TCP/IP and WAP. Wireless interface 410 may include a radiolayer (not shown) that is arranged to send and receive radio frequencycommunications. Typically, wireless interface 410 connects mobile device400 to other mobile devices, via a telecommunications carrier or serviceprovider. Also, wireless interface 410 may be arranged to communicatewith other mobile devices without assistance from a carrier or serviceprovider. For example, wireless interface 410 may support a wirelessprotocol such as IEEE 802.11b and the like for communicating directlywith other mobile devices.

Mass memory 448 generally includes RAM 416, ROM 432, and one or moredata storage units 436. The mass memory stores operating system 420 forcontrolling the operation of mobile device 400. It will be appreciatedthat this component may comprise a general purpose operating system suchas a version of UNIX, LINUX™, or Microsoft WINDOWS®. Basic input/outputsystem (“BIOS”) 418 is also provided for controlling the low-leveloperation of mobile device 400.

The mass memory as described above illustrates another type ofcomputer-readable media, namely computer storage media. Computer storagemedia may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removablemedia implemented in any method or technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage mediainclude RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by a computing device.

The mass memory also stores application code and data used by mobiledevice 400. More specifically, the mass memory stores command messageapplication 430, and programs 434. Command message application 430 maybe loaded into memory 448 and run under control of operating system 420.Also, programs 434 may include computer executable instructions which,when executed by mobile device 400, transmit and receive WWW pages,e-mail, audio, video, and enable telecommunication with another user ofanother mobile device.

Mobile device 400 also comprises input/output interface 424 forcommunicating with external devices, such as a headset, or other inputor output devices not shown in FIG. 4. Data storage 436 can be utilizedby mobile device 400 to store, among other things, programs 434, commandmessage application 436, databases and/or libraries of commands, listsand other data. Keypad 458 may be any input device arranged to receiveinput from a user. For example, keypad 458 may include a push buttonnumeric dial, or a keyboard. Keypad 458 may also include at least onepush button that can be associated with a received command. Display 456may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), gas plasma, light emitting diode(LED), or any other type of display used with a mobile device. Display456 may also include a touch sensitive screen arranged to receive inputfrom an object such as a stylus or a digit from a human hand.Additionally, infrared input/output 460 may be used to send and receiveinfrared commands to/from other devices.

Power supply 426 provides power to mobile device 400. A rechargeable ornon-rechargeable battery may be used to provide power. The power mayalso be provided by an external power source, such as an AC adapter or apowered docking cradle that supplements and/or recharges a battery.

Illuminator 450 may remain active for specific periods of time or inresponse to events. For example, when illuminator 450 is active, it maybacklight the buttons on keypad 459 and stay on while the mobile deviceis powered. Also, illuminator 450 may backlight these buttons in variouspatterns when particular actions are performed, such as receiving orsending commands. These patterns may be predetermined or random, e.g., ahappy face or starburst. Illuminator 450 may also cause light sourcespositioned within a transparent or translucent case of the mobile deviceto illuminate in response to actions.

Audio interface 454 is arranged to produce and receive audio signalssuch as the sound of a human voice. For example, audio interface 454 maybe coupled to a speaker and microphone (not shown) to enabletelecommunication with others and/or generate an audio acknowledgementfor some action.

Haptic interface 452 is arranged to provide sensory feedback to a userof the mobile device. For example, the haptic interface may be employedto vibrate the mobile device in a particular way when command messagesare sent to other users of mobile devices; and vibrate in another waywhen command messages are received by the mobile device from anotheruser.

Tuner 438 may be any type of tuner arranged to receive a broadcast. Forexample, tuner 438 may be an AM tuner, an FM tuner, an AM/FM tuner, anInternet radio tuner, a television tuner, a Satellite radio tuner, orthe like. Tuner 438 may be a hardware component or implemented insoftware by a digital signal processor (not shown). A software-basedtuner could employ various CODECs for tuning to different types ofbroadcasts.

Infrared input/output port 460 may be used by mobile device 400 toselect the channel of a television set, or to input/output data withanother mobile device or fixed device such as a PDA (not shown).

In various embodiments, the mobile device may be a selected one of awireless mobile phone, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA), apalm-sized computing device, a laptop computer, a portable radio, aportable MPx player, and a portable CD/DVD player.

FIG. 5 shows an overview 500 of a system generally illustrating anembodiment of the invention. Each mobile device 520A and 520B includesat least command application 524, control 526, display 528 and datastore 522. Mobile devices 520A and 520B may store data locally in datastore 522 or remotely in another data store that is accessible over anetwork (not shown). Mobile devices 520A and 520B are capable ofwirelessly receiving command messages sent from a plurality of sources,including radio 560, satellite 540, television 550, Internet 530 andwireless network 570. Also, a command message sent from mobile device520B to mobile device 520A can be communicated over wireless network 570and the like. In operation, the mobile device can receive commandmessages from any one of the sources and automatically configure itselfto perform the command when control 526 is activated. As shown, control526 is represented by a push button labeled with an asterisk “*”.

FIG. 6 illustrates an overview 600 of mobile device 610 that includesdisplay 620, control 630 and infrared port 640 for transmitting andreceiving messages between other devices with substantially similarinfrared ports. In the exemplary embodiment, television 650 includesinfrared port 660 for transmitting and receiving messages between mobiledevice 610. In operation, the activation of control 630 causes a message(channel selection) to be transmitted from the mobile device's infraredport 640 to the television's infrared port 660. The received messagecauses television 650 to tune (change) to a particular televisionchannel based on information included in the message. Additionally,other types of wireless communications such as RF (radio frequency)technology could be employed to communicate messages between mobiledevice 610 and television 650.

FIG. 7 shows an overview 700 of a process for receiving command messageswith a mobile device. Moving from a start block, the process advances toblock 710 where a message is received. The process moves to decisionblock 715 where a determination is made as to whether the messageincludes a command. If false, the process loops back to block 710 andreturns to performing substantially the same actions discussed above.Alternatively, when the determination at decision block 715 isaffirmative, the process moves to block 720 where the command isassociated with a control of the mobile device such as a switch, pushbutton and the like. Advancing to block 730, the process automaticallyconfigures the operation of the mobile device in accordance with thecommand included with the received message. Also, any data associatedwith the command and included with the message can be employed toconfigure the operation of the mobile device.

In one embodiment (not shown), the message need not explicitly include aparticular type of command. Instead, the data included in a messagecould cause the association of an implicit type of command with acontrol and the automatic configuration of a particular operation of themobile device. The command could be implied based upon context or aprotocol. For example, when a mobile device only accepted commands todial, the telephone number (data) would only need to be included in themessage. A received message that included a telephone number could causea control to be automatically configured so that, upon activation, themobile device dialed the received telephone number. Also, the receivedmessage could include some generic indication that a command isassociated with the data; and where the command could be inferred bydetermining the type of data included in the message.

Advancing to decision block 740, a determination is made as to whetherthe control is activated. If not, the process moves to another decisionblock 760 where another determination is made as to whether a newcommand is received. If true, the process jumps back to block 720 andperforms substantially the same actions discussed above. However, whenthe determination at decision block 760 is false, the process loops backto decision block 740 and repeats substantially the same actionsdiscussed above.

When the determination at decision block 740 is affirmative, i.e., thecontrol is activated, the process moves to a block 750 where the commandis performed with the mobile device. Next the process loops back todecision block 760 and resumes performing substantially the same actionsdiscussed above.

Any type of protocol may be used to communicate messages that(explicitly and/or implicitly) include commands for associating with acontrol in a mobile device such as the Short message Service (SMS)protocol and the like.

The SMS protocol enables short text and data messages to be sent andreceived over a wireless network between mobile devices such as cellulartelephones, pagers and the like. The SMS protocol can be used on avariety of cellular networks, including Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM) cellular telephone networks. Generally, there arethree types of SMS messages: GSM character set-encoded messages(effectively 7-bit encoded text), UCS2-encoded messages (Unicode encoded16-bit text), and 8-bit binary-encoded messages. Typically, GSM-encodedmessages and UCS2-encoded messages are textual and are displayed to theuser by a messaging application as soon as they are received, whereas8-bit binary-encoded messages are often directed at providingdevice-specific information, such as device configuration messages.

SMS messages have a “User Data Header” which can contain additionalinformation, such as source and destination port numbers (similar toTCP/IP), concatenation information (to support multi-part SMS messages),and the like. The User Data Header allows an SMS message to becustomized, i.e., a command and its associated data could be included ina customized header of an SMS message. Special characters or stringscould be used in SMS messages to denote messages that include commandsand/or associated data. For example, an SMS message containing thestring “!LI!” might indicate that a command is included with themessage. Typically, the special string “!LI!” would not be displayeddirectly to the user.

Additional information could be placed in the string by using anumerical designator to indicate the type of command. For example,adding the number “1” to the string could indicate that the mobiledevice should configure a control to browse a hypertext link whenactivated. Similarly, the number “2” could represent a command fortuning to a radio frequency and the number “3” could represent anothercommand for tuning to a television station. Thus, the presence of ahypertext link command in a message could be disclosed by the string“!LI!1”. Additionally, the data associated with the command couldprecede the string in the header and/or be included in the body of themessage.

As discussed above, the command is employed to specify an activity (suchas tune a radio included with the mobile device) that is enabled foractivation by a control on the mobile device, and the associated datadesignates how to perform the activity (e.g., the actual radio frequencythat a tuner will tune to). In some cases, the command could be impliedbased upon context or a protocol.

FIG. 8 illustrates an overview 800 of components that may be employed byone embodiment of a command message application residing on a mobiledevice. When the command message application receives a command, itautomatically employs control linker 810 to associate the command with acontrol on the mobile device. Additionally, control linker 810determines which component is suited to perform the action indicated bythe command and automatically links this determined component to thecontrol. Also, any data associated with the command is provided to thelinked component. Thus, when the control is activated, the linkedcomponent will automatically perform the action indicated by the commandin accordance with any data that might have been associated with thecommand.

Control linker 810 is in communication with several componentsincluding, but not limited to, cellular telephone 860, browser 820,tuner 830, game 840 and television channel selector 850. For example,when a received command indicates browsing and includes data thatidentifies a particular web site, control linker 810 automaticallypasses the data to browser 820 and links the activation of the controlto the browser. Upon activation of the control, browser 820 willautomatically cause the mobile device to browse to the particular website identified by the data. Additionally, based on the received commandand data, the command message application will perform substantially thesame actions in substantially the same manner with the other components.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart 900 for requesting updated commandmessages and, in response, automatically receiving updated commands.After a start block, the process advances to block 910, where eachcommand message sent by a user of a mobile device to at least one otheruser is received and stored by a command message server, such asdiscussed above in regard to FIG. 3. Also, the command message serverkeeps a copy of the PAL LIST(s) for each user. Further, when a user of amobile device sends a command message, the user's display of his currentcommand message is automatically updated. The process moves to decisionblock 920 where a determination is made if the user has requestedupdated command messages From each member of a PAL LIST. If affirmative,the process advances to block 930 where the command message serverautomatically sends a reply to the user that includes the currentcommand message for each member of the PAL LIST. Next, the process jumpsto block 910 and performs substantially the same actions as discussedabove.

Alternatively, when the determination at decision block 920 is negative,the process moves to decision block 940 where a determination is madewhether a user has requested an updated command message for anotheruser. If affirmative, the process moves to block 950 where the commandmessage server automatically sends a reply to the user that includes thecurrent command message for the other user. Next, the process jumps toblock 910 and returns to performing substantially the same actions asdiscussed above.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart 1000 for receiving and forwardingcommand messages. Moving from a start block, the process advances toblock 1010 where a command message server receives a command messagesent by a user of a mobile device. The process flows to decision block1020 where a determination is made as to whether the user has sent acommand message to another user of another mobile device and which isalso a member of an enabled PAL LIST associated with the user. A memberof a PAL LIST can selectively enable the automatic sending of each newcommand message sent by at least one member to every other member. Ifaffirmative, the process moves to block 1030 where the command messageserver broadcasts (sends) the command message to each member of theenabled PAL LIST associated with the user of the mobile device. Next,the process jumps to block 1010 and performs substantially the sameactions discussed above.

Alternatively, when the determination at decision block 1020 isnegative, the process advances to decision block 1040 where the commandmessage server determines if the command message is sent to another userof a mobile device. If affirmative, the process moves to block 1050where the command message server automatically forwards the commandmessage to the other user. Next, the process returns to block 1010 andperforms substantially the same actions as discussed above.

Additionally, when the determination at decision block 1040 is negative,the process flows to block 1060 and stores the command message for laterforwarding by the command message server in response to a request forthe current message associated with the user. Next, the process returnsto block 1010 and performs substantially the same actions as discussedabove.

In various alternate embodiments, the invention may also be practicedwith a potential command sender first sending a query to a potentialcommand recipient mobile device, inquiring into one or more relevantcapabilities of the mobile device. The command is sent only uponreceiving from the potential recipient mobile device, a favorable replyto the capability query. The generation and sending of the query, aswell as the receive and interpretation of the reply may be performedusing the same elements earlier described for generating the messagewith a command and the relevant enabling and association data.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A method comprising: (a) providing, by a mobile device, a capabilitydescription of the mobile device to a command sender, responsive to aquery from the command sender inquiring as to capabilities of the mobiledevice; (b) receiving, by the mobile device, from the command sender, amessage comprising a command, which includes data for enabling an actionon the mobile device to tune to a radio station, or locally play anaudio recording, wherein the radio station and the command sender aredifferent entities; (c) automatically associating, by the mobile device,the command with a key of the mobile device; (d) employing, by themobile device, the data to automatically enable the action on the mobiledevice; (e) when the key is activated, causing, by the mobile device,the action to be performed; and (f) sending, by the mobile device, thecommand to one or more mobile devices associated with one or more usersincluded in an enabled list stored on the mobile device.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the message that includes the command is a ShortMessage Service (SMS) message.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theaction comprises the mobile device sending a channel selection to atelevision set.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the command sender isa web site.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the command sender isanother mobile device.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (a)receiving another message comprising another command, the other commandalso including other data for enabling another action on the mobiledevice, wherein the another action includes at least a selected one fromthe group consisting of locally playing a game, locally playing an audiorecording, locally playing a video, and locally playing an animation;(b) automatically associating the other command with a key of the mobiledevice; (c) employing the other data to automatically enable the otheraction on the mobile device; and (d) when the key with which the anothercommand is associated is activated, causing the another action to beperformed on the mobile device.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising acknowledging the activation of the key.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the acknowledgement includes at least one selected fromthe group consisting of a sound, visual display and haptic feedback. 9.The method of claim 7, wherein the acknowledgement comprises selectivelyilluminating light sources of the mobile device.
 10. The method of claim9, wherein the selective illumination comprises displaying a patternwith the illuminated light sources.
 11. The method of claim 1, whereinthe enabled list of one or more users is one of a plurality of lists ofusers.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality oflists corresponds to a type of relationship of each user in the lists tothe user of the mobile device.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein thesending comprises generating another message by the mobile devicecomprising the command and the data, to enable the action on anothermobile device, to associate the other command with a key of the othermobile device, such that when the key of the other mobile device isactivated, the action will be performed on the other mobile device; andsending by the mobile device the other message to the other mobiledevice.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprisesprior to performing the generating and sending of the other message,sending by the mobile device, a query to the other mobile deviceinquiring into one or more relevant capabilities; receiving by themobile device, a reply from the other mobile device to the query; anddetermining whether the reply is favorable for the sending of the othermessage, by the mobile device, to the other mobile device.
 15. Anapparatus comprising: (a) a transceiver for (i) providing a capabilitydescription of the apparatus to a command sender, responsive to a queryfrom the command sender inquiring as to capabilities of the apparatus;(ii) receiving a message comprising a command which includes data forenabling an action on the apparatus to tune a broadcast of abroadcaster, or locally play an audio recording, wherein the broadcasterand the command sender are different entities; (iii) sending the commandto one or more mobile devices associated with one or more users includedin an enabled list stored on the apparatus; (b) an associator coupled tothe transceiver to automatically associate the command with a key; (c) alinker coupled to the transceiver to employ the included data toautomatically enable the action on the apparatus; and (d) a transcodercoupled to the key to cause the action to be performed on the mobiledevice when the key is activated.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, furthercomprising a display equipped to display at least one selected from thegroup consisting of text, graphic, video and picture.
 17. The apparatusof claim 16, wherein the display include a selected one from the groupconsisting of liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED),organic LED, fluorescent, incandescent, and plasma.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the message is an SMS message.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the action comprises sending a television channelselection to a television set.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinthe broadcast includes a selected one of radio, television, audio,video, and data.
 21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the broadcastcomprises an RF broadcast of a radio station, the radio station beingbroadcast on a selected one of AM and FM frequencies.
 22. The apparatusof claim 15, further comprising a haptic feedback device to providehaptic feedback when the physical key is activated.
 23. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the command sender is another mobile device.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the command sender is a remote computingdevice.
 25. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is aselected one from the group consisting of a wireless mobile phone, apager, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a palm-sized computingdevice, a laptop computer, a portable radio, a portable MPx player, anda portable CD/DVD player.
 26. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein forperforming said sending, said transcoder and transceiver are furtheremployed to generate another message comprising the command and thedata, to enable the action on another mobile device, to associate theother command with a key of the another mobile device, such that whenthe key of the other mobile device is activated, the other action willbe performed on the other mobile device; and send the other message fromthe apparatus to the other mobile device.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26,wherein prior to performing said generating and sending, said transcoderand transceiver are further employed to send a query from the apparatusto the other mobile device inquiring into one or more relevantcapabilities, receive for the apparatus a reply from the other mobiledevice to the query; and determine for the apparatus whether the replyis favorable for the sending of the other message.
 28. A mobile devicecomprising: (a) means for receiving a message from a command sendercomprising a command that includes data for enabling an action on themobile device unassociated with the command sender; (b) means forautomatically associating the command with a key of the mobile device;(c) means for employing the data to automatically enable the action onthe mobile device; (d) means for causing the action to be performed onthe mobile device when the key is activated; and (e) means for sendingthe command to one or more mobile devices associated with one or moreusers included in an enabled list stored on the mobile device.
 29. Themobile device of claim 28, wherein the message is an SMS message. 30.The method of claim 28, wherein the action includes at least a selectedone from the group consisting of locally playing a game, locally playingan audio recording, locally playing a video, and locally playing ananimation.